Panaji: North Goa Collector Ankit Yadav has issued directions to all Deputy Collectors, mamlatdars and police officials to enforce ban on swimming and entering natural waterbodies, including quarries, ponds, lakes and rivers.
The directive follows the death of Akash Naik, a 35-year-old police constable attached to Porvorim police station, who drowned on June 16 after jumping into a quarry at Sirsaim in Tivim. The quarry is located in a forested area and is among the high-risk zones identified by authorities.
The ban, implemented on May 24 under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, is in effect for 60 days. However, officials said the order is being violated by individuals, including tourists, despite multiple advisories.
According to official data, at least 68 people have drowned in natural waterbodies across Goa since January. Many of the incidents occurred in abandoned quarries, ponds and unregulated river areas.
In a two-page order, the District Magistrate directed Deputy Collectors and Sub-Divisional Officers of Pernem, Bardez, Sattari, Bicholim and Tiswadi to hold coordination meetings with police, forest officials, panchayats and municipalities to identify high-risk locations and deploy personnel.
Mamlatdars have been asked to coordinate with the Public Works Department to install multilingual warning signage, regulate access and organise community awareness initiatives.
Police personnel are to increase patrolling and maintain strict vigil at the identified sites. The Forest Department and Chief Wildlife Warden have been directed to monitor water bodies located in forest areas.
The Department of Information and Publicity will conduct a campaign on drowning prevention during monsoon.
All departments have been instructed to submit an action-taken report to the District Magistrate’s office by June 26.
